Integrated and storable luggage scale

ABSTRACT

Removable luggage scale devices are disclosed herein that include: at least one measuring device, at least one gripping member coupled to the measuring device, at least one coupling unit, wherein the coupling unit couples the at least one measuring device to at least one piece of luggage.

This application is a United States Continuation Application that claimspriority to U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 12/404,659 entitled“Integrated and Storable Luggage Scale”, which was filed on Mar. 16,2009 and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/113,038 filed on Nov. 10, 2008, both of which are commonly-owned andincorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

The field of the subject matter is an integrated and storable luggagescale for use with all forms and sizes of luggage, carry-on luggage,executive briefcases and other travel storage devices.

BACKGROUND

Various designs of luggage scales, both independent and integrated, arecurrently being produced, especially given the increased restrictionsfrom airlines on the number of checked bags, the number of carry-onbags, and the weight of the bags independently and in total.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,358,449 issued to Hannon discloses a portable weightmeasuring device that comprises a “container support member” thatengages a container, such as a piece of luggage. While the disclosedweight measuring device performs the task at hand, it is not recessedaway when not in use and is considered to be a rather complicated deviceto manufacture.

US Publication 2007/0007048 by Gill discloses another luggage weightmeasuring device. In this disclosure, the weight measuring device isintegrated into the handle as part of the luggage. While this disclosuremay solve the problem of storage of the weight measuring device, thedesign does not allow for ease of integration and removal of the device,so that the weight measuring system can be utilized in otherapplications. In addition, it is clear from the positioning of theweight measuring device that when the piece of luggage is usedrepeatedly, the weight measuring device may cause the handle to becomeunstable or undesirably detached from the luggage.

US Publication 2007/0205025 to Taha solves the problem of the Gillpublication by removing the scale device from the handle and placing iton the body of the luggage, so that the luggage and scale areintegrated. While this addresses some issues of previous designs, itdoes not allow the user to weigh additional luggage components to give a“total weight” before travel. The Taha device also isn't easily hiddenin the luggage in order to avoid damage during transport.

It would be desirable to develop a luggage scale that is a) easy toexecute in production (i.e. the assembly process of building a scaleinto luggage), b) aesthetically pleasing, since the scale is recessedaway when not in use, and c) a reduced risk of damage to a preciseinstrument, because it can be recessed away into the luggage. It wouldalso be desirable to develop a luggage scale that can be utilized on onepiece of luggage, but can also easily weigh additional components toprovide a “total weight” to the traveler before transport.

SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

Removable luggage scale devices are disclosed herein that include: atleast one measuring device, at least one gripping member coupled to themeasuring device, at least one coupling unit, wherein the coupling unitcouples the at least one measuring device to at least one piece ofluggage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a contemplated luggage scale device.

FIG. 2 shows a contemplated luggage scale device.

FIG. 3 shows a contemplated luggage scale device.

FIG. 4 shows a contemplated luggage scale device.

FIG. 5 shows a contemplated luggage scale device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to meet the goals described above, a measuring device orluggage scale has been developed that: a) is easy to execute inproduction (i.e. the assembly process of building a scale into luggage),b) is aesthetically pleasing, since the scale can be easily recessedaway when not in use, c) provides a reduced risk of damage to a preciseinstrument, because it can be recessed away into the luggage; and d) isutilized on one piece of luggage, but can also easily weigh additionalcomponents to provide a “total weight” to the traveler before transport.Contemplated luggage scales and luggage scale devices measure the weightof the at least one luggage/bag to which or upon which it is attached.

Contemplated removable luggage scale devices are disclosed herein thatinclude: at least one measuring device, at least one gripping membercoupled to the measuring device, at least one coupling unit, wherein thecoupling unit couples the at least one measuring device to at least onepiece of luggage.

Contemplated luggage scales are also placed centrally on contemplatedluggage, whether on the top or side of the luggage, in order to balancethe weight of the piece of luggage during use, and the scales compriseeither an electronic or non-electronic measuring sensor.

Contemplated luggage scales comprise a device or processor thatdetermines the weight of the suitcase and its contents by receiving andprocessing information detected by the weight sensors. Contemplateddevices and/or processors are understood to be viable in an analogembodiment, a digital embodiment or a combination thereof. The weight ofthe luggage is then displayed in a viewable display (electronic ornon-electronic). A contemplated processor is not restricted by shape orsize and may come in various forms.

Contemplated luggage scales are removable and/or attachable to thehandle of the bag by at least one coupling unit. Contemplated removableluggage scale devices comprise at least one coupling unit, wherein thecoupling unit couples the luggage scale device to at least one piece ofluggage either directly or indirectly. In contemplated embodiments, theat least one coupling unit will be directly coupled to the at least onemeasuring device and will include at least one flexible strap. In theseembodiments, the at least one coupling unit is indirectly coupled to thepiece of luggage through the at least one flexible strap. In othercontemplated embodiments, the at least one coupling unit is directlyattached to the piece of luggage.

In contemplated embodiments, the at least one coupling unit may compriseany suitable material or component. In some embodiments, the at leastone coupling unit comprises a metal, a composite material, apolymer-based material or a combination thereof. In addition, the atleast one coupling unit may comprise any suitable shape, including abuckle, a swivel hook, a “S” hook, a dog hook or a combination thereof.In contemplated embodiments, the at least one coupling unit is designedto couple with the luggage scale device and with the at least oneflexible strap. In other embodiments, the at least one coupling unit isdesigned to couple with the luggage scale device and with the at leastone flexible strap and/or the piece of luggage.

Contemplated luggage scale devices comprise at least one gripping memberthat is coupled to the at least one measuring device. In someembodiments, contemplated gripping members comprise a flexible strap, ahandle, a loop of material, a padded material or a combination thereof.In contemplated embodiments, the flexible strap may comprise anysuitable material or component. In some embodiments, the at least oneflexible strap comprises fabric, nylon, leather or any combinationthereof.

In some embodiments, the at least one gripping member may be anextension of the at least one flexible strap that may be part of the atleast one coupling unit. Different configurations of these figures willbe shown in the Figures and described in the Examples. In someembodiments, the at least one gripping member can be used by the user topick up the luggage in order to get a weight of the luggage. In anothercontemplated embodiment, the at least one gripping member can be used togrip another piece of luggage to the first piece of luggage (as shown inFIG. 3). In these embodiments, the luggage scale device can be used toboth weigh both pieces of luggage and act as a coupling unit for bothpieces of luggage to one another during transport.

Contemplated removable luggage scale devices can function as measuringdevices for luggage or it can function as a strap to which an additionalsmaller piece may be attached. The measuring device is either electronic(sensors to detect the weight) or non-electronic manual scale to detectthe weight. More specifically, a contemplated luggage scale may beeasily attached or detached from the luggage or bag.

Contemplated removable luggage scale devices, as mentioned, comprise atleast one measuring device. Contemplated measuring devices comprise atleast one readout interface. In some embodiments, the readout interfacecomprises a digital readout, an analog readout, a dial readout or acombination thereof. In other embodiments, the at least one measuringdevice may also comprise an audio component. These contemplated audiocomponents are designed to provide an audio output to the user thatindicates the weight of the luggage, in case the user isvision-impaired.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Types of Measuring Devices

FIG. 1 shows a contemplated piece of luggage 110 having a handle 115. Acontemplated removable luggage scale device 145 is shown that comprisesa measuring device 120, a gripping member 125 coupled to the measuringdevice 120, and a coupling unit 130, wherein the coupling unit couplesthe measuring device 120 to at least one piece of luggage 110.

Contemplated removable luggage scale device 150 comprises an analogmeasuring device 120. Contemplated removable luggage scale device 151comprises a digital measuring device 120. Contemplated removable luggagescale device 152 shows another type of measuring device 120 that isapplied force-sensitive.

FIG. 1 also shows a contemplated method of weighing a piece of luggage,wherein the luggage 110 is picked up 140 by the gripping member 125 inorder to register the weight of the piece of luggage 110 on themeasuring device 120.

Example 2 Placement/Positioning of Luggage Scale Devices

FIG. 2 shows a contemplated piece of luggage 210 having a handle 215. Acontemplated removable luggage scale device 245 is shown that comprisesa measuring device 220, a gripping member 225 coupled to the measuringdevice 220, and a coupling unit 230, wherein the coupling unit couplesthe measuring device 220 to at least one piece of luggage 210.

As shown in this Figure, contemplated luggage scales may be placed atdifferent positions or locations on the luggage/bag, including coupledto the at least one piece of luggage by the top luggage handle, aportion of the top luggage handle, the side luggage handle, a portion ofthe side luggage handle or a combination thereof.

The positioning of the device is illustrative and may also be placed inadditional or different positions. In Figure box 250, a luggage scaledevice 245 is coupled to the top handle carrier 217, whether it ispositioned under or on the top handle carrier 217. In Figure box 251, aluggage scale device 245 is located directly under the top handlecarrier 217. A contemplated luggage scale device (specifically thecoupling unit of the luggage scale device) is positioned directlyunderneath the top handle carrier (but not on it as Figure box 250). Itmay be attached to the ringlet that is sewn underneath the top handle.In Figure box 252, a contemplated luggage scale device 245 may bepositioned such that it is coupled to the side-top handle carrier 218.

Example 3 Additional Features/Functions

FIG. 3 shows a contemplated piece of luggage 310 having a handle 315. Acontemplated removable luggage scale device 345 is shown that comprisesa measuring device 320, a gripping member 325 coupled to the measuringdevice 320, and a coupling unit 330, wherein the coupling unit couplesthe measuring device 320 to at least one piece of luggage 310.

In this Figure, a contemplated luggage scale device may be utilized forseveral purposes, including measuring the weight of at least one pieceof luggage (310 and 360) and providing an attachment point for a secondpiece of luggage 360 to the first piece of luggage 310 by utilizing thegripping member.

Example 4 Attachment/Detachment—Coupling Unit

FIG. 4 shows a contemplated piece of luggage 410 having a handle 415. Acontemplated removable luggage scale device 445 is shown that comprisesa measuring device 420, a gripping member 425 coupled to the measuringdevice 420, and a coupling unit 430, wherein the coupling unit couplesthe measuring device 420 to at least one piece of luggage 410.

This Figure is designed to show a plurality of coupling units that maybe used to couple the measuring device to the at least one piece ofluggage. In Figure box 450, the at least one coupling unit 430 comprisesa flexible strap coupled to the measuring device 420 and a buckle,wherein the buckle mates with a similar unit on the piece of luggage410.

In Figure box 451, the at least one coupling unit 430 comprises aflexible strap coupled to the measuring device 420 and a closed loopfixture having a screw opening 421, wherein the closed loop fixturemates with a strap or other coupling member on the piece of luggage 410.

In Figure box 452, the at least one coupling unit 430 comprises aflexible strap coupled to the measuring device 420 and a “S” hook,wherein the “S” hook mates with a strap or other coupling member on thepiece of luggage 410.

In Figure box 453, the at least one coupling unit 430 comprises aflexible strap coupled to the measuring device 420 and a detachableswivel hook, wherein the swivel hook mates with a strap or othercoupling member on the piece of luggage 410.

It should be understood that the flexible strap that is described hereinas part of the at least one coupling unit 430 may not be present in somecontemplated embodiments, and the measuring device 420 may be coupled tothe piece of luggage through any number of hooks, loop fixtures and/orbuckles.

Example 5 Storage of Contemplated Luggage Scale Devices

FIG. 5 shows a contemplated piece of luggage 510 having a handle 515. Acontemplated removable luggage scale device 545 is shown that comprisesa measuring device 520, a gripping member 525 coupled to the measuringdevice 520, and a coupling unit 530, wherein the coupling unit couplesthe measuring device 520 to at least one piece of luggage 510.

This Figure illustrates how contemplated luggage scale devices 545 canbe stored inside of the piece of luggage 510. In Figure box 551, theluggage scale device is attached to the top handle carrier, as shown inFIG. 2. In Figure box 552, the luggage scale device is not shown,because it is stored in the piece of luggage 510.

In Figure box 553, the luggage scale device is coupled under the tophandle carrier, as shown in FIG. 2. In Figure box 554, the luggage scaledevice is not shown, because it is stored in the piece of luggage 510with a piece of the coupling unit showing 530.

In Figure box 555, the luggage scale device is coupled to the sidehandle carrier, as shown in FIG. 2. In Figure box 556, the luggage scaledevice is not shown, because it is stored in the piece of luggage 510with a piece of the coupling unit showing 530.

Thus, specific embodiments, methods of integrated and storable luggagescales have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to thoseskilled in the art that many more modifications besides those alreadydescribed are possible without departing from the inventive conceptsherein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restrictedexcept in the spirit of the disclosure herein. Moreover, in interpretingthe specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadestpossible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms“comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring toelements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicatingthat the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, orutilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that arenot expressly referenced.

I claim:
 1. A removable luggage scale device, comprising: at least onemeasuring device, at least one gripping member coupled to the measuringdevice, at least one coupling unit, wherein the coupling unit couplesthe at least one measuring device to at least one piece of luggage, atleast one other coupling unit, wherein the coupling unit couples the atleast one measuring device to at least one other piece of luggage; andwherein the at least one other coupling unit comprises a grippingmember.
 2. The removable luggage scale device of claim 1, wherein the atleast one measuring device comprises a digital scale, an analog scale ora combination thereof.
 3. The removable luggage scale device of claim 1,wherein the at least one measuring device comprises a digital scale. 4.The removable luggage scale device of claim 1, wherein the at least onecoupling unit comprises a flexible strap.
 5. The removable luggage scaledevice of claim 4, wherein the at least one flexible strap comprisesfabric, nylon, leather or any combination thereof.
 6. The removableluggage scale device of claim 1, wherein the at least one coupling unitcomprises a buckle, a swivel hook, a “S” hook, a dog hook, a loopfixture, a flexible strap or a combination thereof.
 7. The removableluggage scale device of claim 6, wherein the at least one coupling unitcomprises a metal, a composite material, a polymer-based material or acombination thereof.
 8. The removable luggage scale device of claim 1,wherein the at least one measuring device comprises a readout interface.9. The removable luggage scale device of claim 8, wherein the readoutinterface comprises a digital readout, an analog readout, a dial readoutor a combination thereof.
 10. The removable luggage scale device ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one measuring device comprises an audiocomponent.
 11. The removable luggage scale device of claim 10, whereinthe audio component provides audio output of the weight to a user. 12.The removable luggage scale device of claim 1, wherein the at least onegripping member comprises a flexible strap, a handle, a loop ofmaterial, a padded material or a combination thereof.
 13. The removableluggage scale device of claim 1, wherein the at least one grippingmember is further coupled to a second piece of luggage.
 14. Theremovable luggage scale device of claim 1, wherein the device is furtherstorable in the at least one piece of luggage.
 15. The removable luggagescale device of claim 1, wherein the device is coupled to the at leastone piece of luggage by the top luggage handle, a portion of the topluggage handle, the side luggage handle, a portion of the side luggagehandle or a combination thereof.
 16. The removable luggage scale deviceof claim 1, wherein the at least one other coupling unit comprises alooped strap.
 17. The removable luggage scale device of claim 16,wherein the at least one other coupling unit comprises a swivel hook.18. The removable luggage scale device of claim 16, wherein the at leastone other coupling unit comprises a “S” hook.
 19. The removable luggagescale device of claim 16, wherein the at least one other coupling unitcomprises a dog hook.